11/19/2025
Medicare Calls Causing Confusion? Here’s What You Need to Know
A long-time client told me today: �“The calls that are coming in are terrifying me.”
She’s been getting offers of $200/month or even $500 just for sharing her Social Security number and other personal details. These are major red flags. Scammers and aggressive telemarketers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries right now.
Here’s the reality:
* 1,500 Douglas County residents will lose their Medicare Advantage coverage on December 31 due to plan terminations.�
* Hundreds more learned in July that our local hospital would be dropped from their plan. �This means thousands of people need to make informed choices—fast.�
Your Options for Enrollment
1. Call 800-MEDICARE �This is the official government number. You can enroll by phone, but many people report that the representatives act more as order takers than advisors. They’ll process your enrollment but won’t help you compare plans or explain which option might be best for your situation.
2. Call the Insurance Carrier Directly �If you already know exactly which plan you want, this can be a straightforward approach. However, carrier representatives will never tell you if a different company’s plan might be better for you. Their job is to enroll you in their plan—not to compare options across the market.
3. Answer Telemarketer Calls �This is the riskiest option. You could be speaking with someone in a call center hundreds of miles away. They may represent multiple national carriers, but they’re unlikely to know about local or regional plans that could be a better fit. And when you have questions later, you probably won’t reach that same person again.
4. Work with a Local Advisor �This is the option I recommend. There are two types:
* SHIP Counselors (State Health Insurance Program): Free, unbiased guidance, but availability is limited during peak season.�
* Independent Licensed Agents: We contract with multiple carriers and know the local market. A good agent explains both major coverage options—Medigap and Medicare Advantage—without steering you one way or the other. We also remain available year-round for questions and support. We are local small business people paid by the insurance companies when someone enrolls in one of their plans. �
Bottom Line
This is peak season for Medicare advisors. If you’re one of the hundreds still deciding, take the time to find local help. It’s worth it. If you’re not already working with another advisor, give me a call…
📞 Contact Craig Wilcox �Licensed Insurance Agent
Gardnerville, Nevada�Phone: 775-400-2223�Email: [email protected]
Disclosure
Calling the phone number or emailing will direct you to a licensed agent not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or federal Medicare program. Craig Wilcox represents Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO, PFFS, PDP) organizations that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. I do not offer every plan in your area. Currently I represent five carriers offering twenty plans/products in your area. You can always visit Medicare.gov, call 800-Medicare, or your local state Health Insurance program (SHIP) for help with plan choices. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048 (24 hours a day/7 days a week) to get information on all your options.
